How to enrol

The Berry Street School is a specialist independent secondary school for young people whose learning needs and behaviours need more support than in a mainstream school.

Enrolment criteria

Students wishing to attend the Berry Street School must be of secondary school age and meet the following criteria:

• show evidence that mainstream education is not appropriate:
  • have a history of disrupted learning and sustained school absence due to school refusal, suspension and/or expulsions
  • have not responded to interventions and supports provided in a mainstream setting
• experience social and/or emotional difficulties
• have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)*
• want to be enrolled at the Berry Street School and agree to follow the School’s Code of Conduct, as well as other policies and procedures.

Please note, the school does not accept students on an international student visa as it does not hold the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) registration.

*Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stressful and potentially traumatic events or circumstances during childhood that can have negative and lasting impacts. These impacts can include developmental delays, lower educational attainment and social and emotional difficulties. The most widely recognised and researched ACEs include: childhood physical, sexual and emotional abuse; physical neglect and emotional neglect; exposure to family violence; parental substance abuse; parental mental illness; parental separation or divorce; and parental incarceration (further reading).